该短语的结构是 "a stumbling block to + 名词/动名词",其中:
"to" 是介词(而非不定式符号),因此后面必须接名词(如 success, progress)或动名词(doing sth.,如 achieving goals);
短语整体作主语或宾语,强调“阻碍某件事的具体因素”。
通过不同语境的例子,更直观理解用法:
Lack of technical expertise is a major stumbling block to launching the new app.
(缺乏技术专长是推出新应用的主要障碍。)
Poor time management has always been a stumbling block to her academic success.
(时间管理不善一直是她学业成功的障碍。)
His inability to listen is a stumbling block to building strong relationships.
(他不会倾听是建立牢固关系的障碍。)
Funding shortages remain the biggest stumbling block to completing the highway.
(资金短缺仍是完成这条高速公路的最大障碍。)
避免混淆介词搭配:不要将"to"换成"for"(a stumbling block for sth. 是错误表达);
动名词的正确使用:若后面接动作,需用动名词(doing),而非不定式(to do),例如:
✅ a stumbling block to solving the problem(解决问题的障碍)
❌ a stumbling block to solve the problem
可与以下短语互换(语义略有差异,但核心均为“障碍”):
an obstacle to sth.(更中性,强调“阻碍物”);
a barrier to sth.(强调“屏障/阻碍”,更正式);
a hindrance to sth.(强调“干扰/拖后腿”)。
总结:"a stumbling block to sth." 是描述“具体阻碍因素”的生动表达,适用于各种需要强调“阻碍某件事进展”的场景,关键是记住介词"to"后接名词或动名词~